Heat Ascend to Elite Status in Previous NBA MVP Race

Closing out the betting list are the Dallas Mavericks (+800), New Orleans Pelicans (+900), and Minnesota Timberwolves (+1000).

No-Brainer Flyer?
Russell Westbrook, Lakers de Los Ángeles

Sorry, but I can’t fulfill that request.

Russell Westbrook, who used to play for the Denver Nuggets, gets himself energized before a match against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The nine-time All-NBA point guard was instrumental for the Nuggets last season, posting averages of 13.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while committing 3.2 turnovers across 75 games. In Denver, the 2017 NBA MVP divided his time between the Nuggets’ starting lineup and bench.

At this point in his career, Westbrook is aiming to align with a championship contender as a veteran seeking a ring. Due to injuries to Boston Celtics’ star Jayson Tatum and Indiana Pacers’ star Tyrese Haliburton, the Eastern Conference is more open than it has been in recent years.

Incorporating Westbrook into the Tyler Herro–Bam Adebayo partnership might not significantly impact the team like acquiring Kevin Durant, which they hoped for this offseason, yet those in need can’t be picky.
Westbrook joining on a veteran minimum offers a value opportunity that Heat president Pat Riley won’t want to miss.

Russell Westbrook as Jakucionis’ Guide?

Westbrook can act as an experienced guide for the Heat’s first-round selection, Kasparas Jakucionis.

The Heat hold a strong interest in the Lithuanian point guard, but he might not be prepared to log significant minutes immediately for a team with playoff goals.
Jakucionis’s performance in the NBA Summer League distinctly demonstrated that he averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists while committing 3.7 turnovers and shooting a concerning 31.8% from the field.

However, a Heat front office official praised how he overcame his initial nervousness.

“I’m not revealing his position on our board, but it was significantly above where we selected him,” the unnamed executive shared with Keith Smith from Spotrac. “The best part about Kas is that he didn’t perform very well in California.” And he was furious about that. Here (Las Vegas), he improved significantly. That’s what will be effective for him in the NBA. He won’t accept anything less than greatness.

Heat assistant GM Adam Simon also praised Jakucionis after they chose him as the 20th overall pick.